Missions - Part II
Intentionality

Matthew 9:35  - "Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness."

During Jesus' life on the earth, he had a specific purpose and plan.  The focus of his teaching was about the kingdom of God - and that it was good news.  He did not stay only in one place, but moved in an itinerant fashion from place to place.  His home base remained in Caperneum, but he did not limit himself to that one region.

As Jesus went from place to place, he taught in their local meeting places.  He went to the places where people would be and he engaged them in spiritual conversations.  He taught or corrected their previous notions of God and spirituality.  During the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5-8, the phrase, "You have heard it said, but I say..." demonstrates a new viewpoint on a commonly held belief.  Jesus not only taught new ideas, but he corrected misunderstandings about God.  Their teachers did not have the authority or intimacy with God like he did and it made a difference in how his listeners responded.

The text of Jesus' message was about the good news of the kingdom.  Forgiveness was not reserved for a special few, but for all who would believe and accept God's offer.  A relationship with God was available for all who would believe and trust in Him - not just for the priests or wealthy.  The kingdom was a present reality, not a future idealistic hope.  The good news was that God was not far off from human experience, but in Jesus he fully understood our pain and suffering.

Jesus also healed the diseases and sicknesses of those he met in each place.  His ministry was one of reconciliation and restoration.  He wanted to return relationships and hearts back to God and to each other.  He not only saw the needs and hurts of those around him, but he actively sought to make their lives better by what he could do.

Jesus focused upon the kingdom of God, the message of that kingdom, and the needs of those in the kingdom.  His words in Luke 19:10, "For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost," echo this same ambition.  His words, his actions, and his attitude reflect a desire to share God's message of love and forgiveness with as many as possible.  He did not haphazardly lounge through his life, but made definite choices which reflected his Father's priorities.

It is a sad, but true, epitaph from Zig Ziglar, "If we aim for nothing, we'll hit it every time."  Jesus knew his reason for coming to the earth and he wanted to make the most of every opportunity.  He did not intend to aim for nothing.  He lived every moment to the praise and glory of his father in Heaven.  God did not remain silent at such zeal and obedience, "And a voice from Heaven said, 'This is my son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.'"  (Matt. 3:17)

Questions for Reflection:

1)  What part of your day reflects a plan and what parts are you just trying to hold together?  Knowing your purpose and place, helps you prioritize your days.


Every time we act like the Savior, by the power of the Holy Spirit, it is for His glory and our good.

Thank you for reading these thoughts.  I'd love to hear your comments.  Leave a short note to let me know you've been here.

Itinerant Missions

Ministry Moments:

Matthew 9:35-38
Missions Part I - Itinerant Missions


"Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness."

The role of the Christian worker is not to settle down.  We can't stay where we are and still be His followers.  If the Master really came from Heaven to earth, then going across the street, to another neighborhood, or to another location should really be no great expectation.

In any leadership situation, I like to follow a principle of "rubber band" theology.  In order to influence others, you must be inside their sphere of relationship.  To take others to the next level, you have to spend time with them and share in their experience.  If you are not that close to people, when you attempt to stretch them, you'll feel a pop.  However, the role of every Christian worker is to stretch the band and challenge others to go further and deeper in their relationship with God.

As a Christian worker, find a place that feeds your soul.  Find a place that worships and glorifies God.  Find a place that allows you to gather as a family.  But don't stop there...  Take your ministry to the next level as you move into new areas which have yet to hear His message of love, hope, and forgiveness.

Questions for Reflection:

1)  How much of my time am I giving to God's kingdom or my own agenda?

2)  How does my schedule reflect an intentionality to share the Gospel broadly?

Every time we follow the example of our Savior it is for our good and His glory.